Apparatus and Method for Playing a Hybrid Card Game

Abstract

A gaming apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a gaming surface having distinct betting locations is provided in order to assist in the play of a hybrid version of blackjack and poker games having a side bet. The gaming surface includes a main betting spot for the blackjack game and a separate raised betting platform for the side bet to keep the bets from being comingled. The side bet of the hybrid game is based on whether or not the dealer's hand is a qualifying poker hand. Multipliers and a progressive jackpot are used during the hybrid game to increase the potential winnings.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A three-dimensional gaming surface for use with a card-based wagering game involving one or more players comprising:
 a main betting spot located directly in front of each player so that the player may place at least one bet during a first portion of the game;   at least one elevated betting platform for each player to place at least one side bet for a second portion of the game, wherein the first portion and the second portion have different rules.   
     
     
         2 . The three-dimensional gaming surface of  claim 1 , wherein the elevated betting platform is in the range of one-eighth of an inch to two inches. 
     
     
         3 . The three-dimensional gaming surface of  claim 1 , wherein the elevated betting platform is located at a two o′clock position in relation to the main betting spot. 
     
     
         4 . The three-dimensional gaming surface of  claim 1 , further comprising a side bet pay table. 
     
     
         5 . A gamepiece set for a card-based wagering game involving one or more players comprising:
 at least one deck of playing cards; and   a gaming surface comprising:
 a main betting spot for each player to place at least one bet during a first portion of the game; and 
 at least one elevated betting platform for a player to place at least one side bet for a second portion of the game, wherein the first portion and the second portion have different rules. 
   
     
     
         6 . The gamepiece set of  claim 5  further comprising a plurality of disc-shaped chips or markers having multiplier identifications. 
     
     
         7 . The gamepiece set of  claim 5 , wherein the elevated betting platform is in the range of one eighth of an inch and two inches above the gaming surface. 
     
     
         8 . The gamepiece set of  claim 5 , further comprising a random number generator. 
     
     
         9 . The gamepiece set of  claim 8 , wherein random number generator is shaped like an axe having a blade portion and a handle portion. 
     
     
         10 . The gamepiece set of  claim 9 , wherein the handle portion has a button or switch and the blade portion has a display whereupon activation of the button or switch actuates the random number generator and causes a generated number to appear on the display. 
     
     
         11 . The gamepiece set of  claim 8  further comprising a gaming table with an upper surface sized to receive the gaming surface. 
     
     
         12 . A method of playing a card game played by a dealer and at least one player, the card game having two portions comprising:
 using at least one set of playing cards;   receiving at least one initial bet from a player on a first game portion in a main betting circle;   receiving a side bet from a player on an elevated betting platform; the side bet pertaining to a second portion of the game;   dealing a number of cards to at least one player;   dealing a number of cards to the dealer;   resolving the first game portion in accordance with blackjack rules;   taking or paying players' bets as a result of the blackjack game;   determining an outcome of the second portion of the game in accordance with poker rules; and taking or paying the side bet in accordance with a payout table as a result of the second portion.   
     
     
         13 . The method of playing a card game as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the game is played using only the cards dealt to the dealer. 
     
     
         14 . The method of playing a card game as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the game is only played if the cards dealt to the dealer make up a qualifying poker hand. 
     
     
         15 . The method of playing a card game as set forth in  claim 12 , further comprising optionally actuating a random number generator to determine a multiplier to be multiplied by the side bet; and distributing winnings. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a maximum number of five cards is used in determining a dealer's poker hand. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the card game is played on an electronic computing device controlled by a processing system, including a display screen, wherein the cards and bets are displayed on the display screen and bets are taken or paid for the first portion in accordance with blackjack rules and the second portion in accordance with poker rules. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the King of Diamonds is a wild card for the second portion of the game. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the King of Diamonds is a payout multiplier for the second portion of the game. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the odds payouts are paid according to the following pay table: 
       
         
           
                 
                 
                 
               
                     
                     
                 
                     
                   Straight Flush (5 cards) 
                   1000:1  
                 
                     
                   Five of a Kind 
                   400:1  
                 
                     
                   Flush (5 cards) 
                   200:1  
                 
                     
                   Straight (5 cards) 
                   80:1 
                 
                     
                   Four of a Kind 
                   40:1 
                 
                     
                   Full House 
                   30:1 
                 
                     
                   Three of a Kind 
                   20:1 
                 
                     
                   Two Pair 
                   10:1 
                 
                     
                   Pair and Jack, Queen, King, or Ace 
                    6:1